I was thrilled when Ayman Kamel, Principal at 5 Church Buckhead, called to discuss plans for their second location in Atlanta, GA. I had been commissioned for the 5 Church Midtown location a year previously so knew he appreciated how original art enhances the experience for his guests. Stepping over construction demo debris, I used the first job site visit to see the space, get a feel for Ayman’s vision, take notes, snap photos and take initial measurements. With a 27’ foot long scale needed to fill the wall, I proposed a digital mural solution with framing added once installed. The artwork that I created is layered with symbolism and created as a custom commission for 5 Church. I knew that I wanted a fashionable, lush and diverse visual to wow his art loving guests and as a play on the location being near Lenox Mall and Phipps Plaza.

The story behind the artwork: Babylonian goddess of love and war, Ishtar, wearing the Alexander McQueen Rose gown and Dior jeweled headpiece. She is looking forward towards a piece of the triptych by Hieronymus Bosch, The Garden of Earthly Delights, c. 1480-1505 that depicts creation/Eden. Her dress flows into the fins of the betta fish (meaning “beautiful warrior”). On the fifth day, God created creatures that live in the sea and creatures that fly. The lush background depicts roses (symbols of romance, beauty and courage), grapes (wine) and florals.

Learn More: https://buckhead.5church-atlanta.com/

The Wave Hotel showcases the property’s signature focus on art, technology, and unexpected design. A striking collection of contemporary art fills floor-to-ceiling niches. The furnishings, too, double as artwork, with iconic modern pieces designed by Eero Saarinen, Warren Platner, and Marcel Wanders. The 234-room hotel includes two restaurants, a lobby bar, a ballroom, and meeting rooms, as well as 18 luxurious suites.

The palette of the hotel’s signature restaurant, Bacán, is warm, enticing, and vibrant, reflecting its Latin-influenced American cuisine. Dozens of lanterns illuminate the restaurant, and a beautiful 20-foot artwork by Atlanta-based artist Amy Rader overlooks the central dining area.

The Bacán restaurant art piece is a focus piece to the restaurant and also visible from The Wave Hotel. My goal was to research the area, themes of the restaurant and their customers. I utilized that research to create a narrative piece that includes native flora and fauna, captures the color palette used within the interior and appeals to both young and old audiences.

Interior Design: https://bluelanternstudios.com/
Art Consultant: http://www.amyparryprojects.com/
Accolades: Travel & Leisure https://www.travelandleisure.com/hotels-resorts/lake-nona-wave-hotel-orlando
Learn more: www.lakenonawavehotel.com